According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani addressing political and press circles in Kermanshah, western Iran noted:

“Due to my belief in certain holy ideals I seek an opportunity to give the elite of the country’s management cream a chance to bloom their talents, capable men and women alike.”

Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani became president in August of 1989 and again in 1993 to the same post.

A prominent reformist lawyer, Mohsen Rahami said on Saturday, Jan 16, rumours that Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani will run in the election, is one reason behind the lack of consensus within the rightist and leftist factions, given the fact that his revolutionary and management background make him the best choice.

"Most parties such as the Islamic Coalition Party, the Association of Combatant Clergy, the Islamic Labor Party, the Executive of Construction Party, etc, would not hesitate to support Rafsanjani as soon as the veteran politician officially announces his candidacy officially," Rahami, also secretary of the Islamic Association of University Lecturers, added. Until that happens, the lawyer said, the struggle to agree on a candidate will continue for some time.

A key member of Executives of Construction Party (ECP) Hossein Marashi announced Thursday, Jan 13, veteran politician Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has finally made a decision and will run in the ninth presidential elections, ending months of speculations and uncertainties surrounding his candidacy."